The federal government's Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 2015, which passed the Senate on Tuesday, will make it cheaper and easier to protect and enforce certain IP rights.
"This new legislation will streamline business between Australia and New Zealand by simplifying the process for innovators seeking to patent the same invention in both countries," Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science, Karen Andrews said.
"It allows for a single patent attorney regime and a single patent application and examination process, making it easier for businesses to protect their IP in both countries."
Farmers, nursery owners and others who work with new plant varieties will benefit, as the plant breeders who supply these industries will now have simpler and more cost-effective means of enforcing their rights in the Federal Circuit Court.
"Good international citizen"
"This reflects Australia's role as a good international citizen, and meets our commitment to implement the Protocol amending the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property," Andrews said.
These changes will help ensure that we have an efficient and streamlined intellectual property system. It reduces red tape and regulatory costs for Australian business, and gives Australia the ability to help those in need.
More information about the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 2015 can be found on IP Australia's website at www.ipaustralia.gov.au.
